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Cover of Surfing the Internet: An Introduction: Version 2.0.2

Surfing the Internet: An Introduction: Version 2.0.2

Written by Jean Armour Polly

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Computer network resourcesElectronic mail systemsInternet addresses

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About this book

"Surfing the Internet: An Introduction" by Jean Armour Polly is a non-technical guidebook written in the early 1990s, specifically 1992, during the burgeoning days of internet connectivity. The book addresses the topic of internet communications, focusing on how libraries and librarians can utilize the vast resources of the internet to enhance their services and foster communication within the scholarly community and beyond. The content of the book serves as a primer for readers interested in understanding the potential of the internet as a tool for information sharing and exchange. It elaborates on various internet services, including electronic mail, discussion lists, and electronic journals, all while highlighting the evolving nature of networking and digital communication. Polly shares anecdotes from her experiences on the internet, illustrating its global reach and the unique virtual connections formed across geographic boundaries. The book emphasizes both the practical aspects of using the internet for research and communication, as well as its role as an equalizer that breaks down barriers in information access and social interactions. Overall, it invites readers to embark on their own internet journeys, encouraging exploration and active participation in this new digital landscape.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Surfing the Internet: An Introduction: Version 2.0.2, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 4 hours
  • beginner
  • informative
  • pioneering
  • optimistic

Jean Armour Polly's "Surfing the Internet: An Introduction" is a foundational non-technical guide from 1992, designed to demystify the nascent internet for librarians and the broader public. It outlines the internet's potential as a tool for communication, information sharing, and community building, focusing on services like email, discussion lists, and electronic journals. Polly's work not only provides practical guidance but also frames the internet as an equalizer, breaking down geographical and social barriers to knowledge. Through personal anecdotes and clear explanations, the book encourages active exploration and participation in the evolving digital landscape, serving as a crucial primer for early internet adopters.

“The Internet is truly a global library, waiting to be explored by those willing to navigate its vast corridors.”

Key themes

Information Access and Democratization
The book fundamentally explores how the internet revolutionizes access to information, breaking down traditional barriers imposed by geography, cost, or institutional affiliation. Polly highlights the internet's potential to democratize knowledge, making scholarly resources, discussion forums, and communication tools available to a much wider audience, particularly emphasizing its benefits for libraries in expanding their reach.
Digital Literacy and Empowerment
A core theme is the imperative for individuals, especially professionals like librarians, to acquire digital literacy skills. The book serves as a primer, empowering readers to overcome their initial apprehension about technology and confidently navigate the internet. It frames digital literacy not just as technical proficiency but as a gateway to new opportunities for learning, communication, and professional development.
Community Building and Virtual Connection
Polly extensively details how internet services like discussion lists foster virtual communities, allowing individuals with shared interests or professional affiliations to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas regardless of physical location. The book emphasizes the human element of online interaction and the creation of new social structures in the digital realm.

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